Can myometrial electrical activity identify patients in preterm labor?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to determine whether myometrial electrical activity can differentiate false from true preterm labor.


METHODS
Electrical uterine myography (EUM) was measured prospectively on 87 women, gestational age less than 35 weeks. The period between contractions, power of contraction peaks and movement of center of electrical activity (RMS), was used to develop an index score (1-5) for prediction of preterm delivery (PTD) within 14 days of the test. The score was compared with fetal fibronectin (fFN) and cervical length (CL).


RESULTS
Patients delivering within 14 days from testing showed a higher index and mean RMS (P = .000). No patients with EUM index scores of 1-2 delivered in this time frame. Combining EUM with CL or fFN increased predictability. Logistic regression revealed that history of PTD and EUM index had 4- to 5-fold increased risk for PTD. Gestational age at testing, body mass index, fFN, and CL were nonsignificant contributors to PTD risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Measuring myometrial electrical activity may enhance identification of patients in true premature labor.
Most
Orli
O
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Langer
Oded
O
Kerner
Ram
R
David
Gal Ben
GB
Calderon
Ilan
I
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009215:Myometrium / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*
D005353:Fibronectins